The OT Show

Will you be attending the biggest OT event of the year?

The OT Show returns on 23 - 24 November and it looks like it will be one of the best yet. However, before what will be the 10th event since it’s conception, it’s important to look back on what makes The OT Show so important in the professional calendar, and why this year will be such a success. In 2012, the idea to develop an event that was free for occupational therapists to attend, whilst delivering high quality CPD was born. This led to the inaugural event in 2013 and the rest is history!

...designed and delivered by occupational therapists, for occupational therapists

Over the 10 events the structure has remained the same, but the content on offer has developed to meet the needs of therapists. Clinical streams such as Neurology, Mental Health and Housing have been a constant, though the initial Children, Young People and Families section has become Paediatrics, and the Physical and Innovation sections have been removed completely and replaced with Contemporary Practice, Moving and Handling and Affinity Groups, to reflect what the profession needs at any given time.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

The conference programme is indeed designed and delivered by occupational therapists, for occupational therapists. A great example of this is the introduction of Contemporary Practice. We felt there should be an expectation that all sessions in the programme were innovative, giving delegates at least one take away message or practical experience to reflect on and

positively impact their service delivery, and attributing a stream to innovation created a perception that other sessions were less so. Instead, and as a result of the rapidly changing health and social care landscape, Contemporary Practice provides the opportunity to cover new areas of work and application of unique skills for occupational therapists, with or without the protected title. The programme this year therefore includes sessions on delivery of occupational therapy led occupational health services, strategic management, breaking down barriers, working in the police force, and working with Microsoft to design adapted controllers for games consoles. Although a very important part of The OT Show, the conference programme is not the only reason to attend. It is the dedication of the exhibitors and their commitment to occupational therapists and their clients’ outcomes, that allow the event to be free to attend, and provides a unique opportunity to engage in dynamic, collaborative problem solving or relationship building on-site. Many of these exhibitors now use The OT Show to showcase newly developed products or services, such is the reach that the event now has. Keeping up to date with what’s available on the market is vital to ensure that clinical recommendations are evidence-based, and to maximise the potential and health and wellbeing of clients. The last big reason for you to attend The OT Show, and this year in particular, is that it gives therapists the opportunities to network, reconnect with each other and share experiences, both positive and challenging. We are all acutely aware of the challenges over the last two years, many of which still remain both on a personal level and professionally; but at a time when many organisations continue to offer and plan virtual events or conferences it’s important to acknowledge the desire for contact with one another. Occupational therapists in particular are social, creative, and dynamic individuals, who have missed being able to engage in their own meaningful activities, which often includes physical events such as The OT Show. After the success of last years’ first physical event following 2020’s online event, 2022 looks set to be another great success. Great CPD delivered by truly expert clinicians, networking, collaboration, and innovation all with the joint aim of improving outcomes for clients; it doesn’t get much better than that! Register now for your free ticket at TheOTShow.com.